Microsoft announced the release date and pricing information for its Office for Mac 2011 software suite, while also promoting new changes and updates that Mac users can now expect.
Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac will be released towards the end of October, with Microsoft offering 3 different versions. Similar to the Windows versions, Microsoft will include Word, Excel and other popular programs with the software launch. Aesthetic changes include the "ribbon" toolbars first introduced in Office 2007, designed to increase the visual appeal of the applications.
The bare-bones academic version available to university students, faculty and professors will be $99 on a single device.
The Home and Student version of Office for Mac 2011 will be available for $119. The $150 family pack includes three licenses for a household. Microsoft includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Messenger with the family pack.
Microsoft's Home and Business edition will be available for $199 on one computer, or $279 for installation on three different computers. The main difference between the versions is that the Home and Business edition includes a Mac version of Outlook, officially replacing the old Entourage email client that Microsoft developed for Mac OS. The inclusion of Outlook is expected to be a major selling point for the 2011 Mac version of Office.
Customers who purchase a copy of Office for Mac 2008 from now until November 30th can receive a free upgrade for the 2011 edition after its release.
Pricing for these new editions of Office for Mac has decreased dramatically compared to previous versions, as Microsoft has aimed to keep Office for Mac 2011 pricing competitive with the Windows version of Office 2010.
Microsoft faces increased pressure in the Office software market, as OpenOffice, AbiWord, and other open source word document programs develop a strong following and become popular due to their low or no costs.
